Anti-plane surface waves in media with surface structure: discrete vs. continuum model

We present a comparison of the dispersion relations derived for anti-plane surface waves using the two distinct approaches of the surface elasticity vis-a-vis the lattice dynamics. We consider an elastic half-space with surface stresses described within the Gurtin–Murdoch model, and present a formulation of its discrete counterpart that is a square lattice half-plane with surface row of particles having mass and elastic bonds different from the ones in the bulk. As both models possess anti-plane surface waves we discuss similarities between the continuum and discrete viewpoint. In particular, in the context of the behaviour of phase velocity, we discuss the possible characterization of the surface shear modulus through the parameters involved in lattice formulation.